Real Madrid Strong however Vinicius Issues Grow – Key Spanish Derby Highlights
It was nearly a flawless day for the Madrid side, who overcame Barca 2-1 during El Clasico to extend their lead at the top in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.
The English midfielder scored his maiden league goal and assist this term after a challenging period healing from a shoulder operation.
Mbappe maintained his lethal form in attack, and the manager's strategy during his debut El Clasico on the sidelines proved perfectly.
But then the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront another time.
Dissatisfied with being substituted, the star forward ranted while walking straight past his manager before stormed off the pitch, before coming back to the bench several minutes.
Manager's Approach Yields Success for the Midfielder
In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, given that the majority of Madrid's previous eight coaches were defeated in their initial league encounter against their rivals.
After the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model produced a significant outcome.
An expert observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, and Barca didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”
“Without the ball, they pushed up for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they retreated in a structured manner, all players even Vinicius.”
The team's shape in two lines separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”
The tactical change looks to be positive for Bellingham, as he in the past had been tasked to do everything in midfield and beyond.
In the lineup the 22-year-old started wide right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and assist the attack or get into scoring positions.
The analyst continued, With Camavinga in the middle, it brings greater energy and additional options to close down the spaces.”
“That forced them to deploy Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe in possession and had space, and he located him a few times.”
He was told to enter the area and position himself near just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating Barcelona's life challenging.”
Vinicius Tensions Revealed
Undoubtedly that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his chant rang out multiple times by the passionate Madrid fans.
But there have been numerous stories in recent months that Los Blancos would consider letting him leave if the right offer arrived.
He has a year left on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal have stalled.
The player's reaction when substituted late in the game spoke of issues. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.
The expert noted, He will face backlash and rightly so, since it displayed disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”
Yet, growing up, he has existed amid adversity, and perceives that he faces opposition.”
This mindset is hard to change, particularly since you consider yourself on the verge of number one in the world, but the team shifts the focus to Mbappe as the key figure.”
Recently he believes that Real Madrid has not supported him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they would be open a bid of 250m euros to sign him and let him go.”
He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in Vinicius' head he thinks why always me?.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and the player at the moment.”
Their System “Struggles”
Having triumphed in all four of previous campaign's matches, Sunday's performance represented Barca's shaky early form.
Injuries have robbed the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, the striker plus others, and his system is failing when they are missing.
The analyst stated, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”
“It's easier to attack them. Should the defense is not organized, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack failing to press those on the ball adequately.”
Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.
Key players did not perform well. Lamine seems not in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue